Hook attachment for mobile stand for use with intravenous delivery of medications

ABSTRACT

A hook attachment for an IV stand. The attachment has hooks attached to at least one longitudinally extending portion. The hooks are configured to position bags such that their labels are each visible from the same side of the hook attachment. The hooks may include first and second hooks coupled to first and second longitudinally extending portions, respectively. The first and second hooks are configured to have first and second bags, respectively, hung therefrom. The first and second longitudinally extending portions are sufficiently spaced apart vertically to allow the labels of the first and second bags to be visible. The hooks may include front and rear hooks connected to a longitudinally extending body portion. The front and rear hooks have first and second portions, respectively, whereat front and rear bags, respectively, are positioned when hung therefrom. The first portions are below the second portions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/352,954, filed on Jun. 21, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to poles or stands forintravenous drugs (commonly referred to as IV stands).

Description of the Related Art

A conventional IV stand has three components: a wheeled base, a pushhandle, and a hook assembly or attachment. Unfortunately, prior art IVstands suffer from many shortcomings.

For example, in a hospital, it is desirable for one person (e.g., acaregiver) to safely maneuver several (more than one in each hand) IVstands at once (e.g., down a hallway) to various locations. It is alsodesirable for one person (e.g., a janitor) to bring several IV stands tothe same location at the same time (e.g., at the end of a day shift forcleaning and sanitizing). Unfortunately, prior art IV stands allow oneperson to safely move a maximum of two IV poles (one in each hand). Thismeans multiple trips must be made, which take more time and, therefore,add expense.

At least one prior art IV stand (e.g., a SmartStack IV Standmanufactured by Maxtec or ALCO) includes a “towable” type base thatrequires a separate adapter to lock two of the IV stands together sothat they may be towed or pushed together in a “controlled manner.”Multiple adaptors must be used to couple multiple IV stands together.Unfortunately, in hospitals, these adaptors are often lost and aretherefore not used. When this occurs, controlled towing of the IV standsis not possible.

Further, patients connected to one or more of the bags mounted on an IVstand sometimes must walk and push the IV stand. Unfortunately, manyprior art IV stands have symmetrical “star” shaped bases. Such starshaped bases include legs that extend outwardly radially from a centerof the base. Depending on orientation of the IV stand, these legs canget in the way (e.g., of a patient walking next to the IV stand) and maycreate a trip hazard.

Additionally, conventional IV stands typically have a push handle thatis not ergonomically designed. To use such handles, the user must twisthis/her wrist, which may cause undo strain to the user's hand and/orwrist resulting in discomfort.

Conventional IV stands also position multiple IV bags such that some ofthe bags obscure labels on others of the bags. To read the labels, acaregiver must reposition the bags, which can be difficult if the bagsare attached to a patient (e.g., by medication lines). Therefore,conventional IV stands may contribute to label reading errors andmisidentification of the IV bags, which may pose a risk to the patient.

Therefore, a need exists for new IV stands. In particular, a need existsfor an IV stand that does not require an adapter to interconnect two ormore IV stands. An IV stand with a base that avoids interfering with thefeet of a patient as the patient pushes the IV stand would beparticularly desirable. A need also exists for a more ergonomicallydesigned push handle. Additionally, a need exists for a hook attachmentfor an IV stand that makes it easier to read the labels on the IV bags.The present application provides these and other advantages as will beapparent from the following detailed description and accompanyingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an IV stand.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base of the IV stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of four bases, each like the base of FIG.2, interlocked together.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portions of two of theinterlocked bases of FIG. 3 taken through a plane defined by x andz-axes shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the base of FIG. 2 illustrated alongside auser's feet.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a push handle and mountingbracket of the IV stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a prior art push handle.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the prior art push handle of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a right hand of a user gripping the pushhandle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the push handle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the push handle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11A is a photograph of a prior art IV hook assembly having aplurality of hooks arranged in a circular pattern.

FIG. 11B is a photograph of a prior art IV hook assembly having aplurality of hooks arranged in a longitudinal pattern.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a hook attachment of the IV standof FIG. 1.

FIG. 13A is a rear view of the hook attachment of FIG. 12 illustratedwith IV bags hanging therefrom.

FIG. 13B is a front view of the hook attachment of FIG. 12 illustratedwith IV bags hanging therefrom.

FIG. 14A is a side view of the hook attachment of FIG. 13A illustratedwith IV bags hanging therefrom.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the hook attachment of FIG. 13B illustratedwith IV bags hanging therefrom.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a hookattachment.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the hook attachment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the hook attachment of FIG. 15 illustratedwith IV bags hanging therefrom.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the hook attachment of FIG. 15 illustratedwith IV bags hanging therefrom.

Like reference numerals have been used in the figures to identify likecomponents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stand or pole, referred to hereafteras an “IV stand” 100. One or more bags 102 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, 13A-14B,17, and 18) may be mounted on the IV stand 100. Referring to FIGS. 13Aand 13B, the bags 102 store solutions (e.g., saline, drugs, blood, etc.)delivered intravenously (via medication lines 106 illustrated in FIGS.11A and 11B) to one or more patients (not shown). Referring to FIG. 1,the IV stand 100 includes an interlocking base 110, a pole 120, amounting bracket 122, an ergonomic push handle 130, and a hookattachment 140. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, each of the bags 102 hasan opening 103 configured to be attached to (or hooked on) the hookattachment 140. Each of the bags 102 also has indicia (referred to as alabel 104) that identifies the contents of the bag.

Interlocking Base

Referring to FIG. 1, the base 110 is configured to be mounted to thepole 120 of the IV stand 100, a pole on a conventional IV stand, a poleof similar mobile equipment, and the like. The base 110 is configured tosupport and provide stability to the IV stand 100 and to provide alocation to mount wheels 230 (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 5), casters (notshown), and the like. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the base110. As will be explained below, the base 110 is configured to interlockwith a base of another IV stand like the IV stand 100 (see FIG. 1). Whenthe bases are interlocked together, the IV stands may be push or pulledtogether as a unit. Additionally, as will also be explained below, thebase 110 is configured to allow a user (e.g., a patient) to walk moreclosely to the base 110 than would be possible with a conventional IVstand without posing a trip hazard to the user.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 110 has a plurality of support legs 211-215that extend outwardly from a center section 216. The center section 216has a connector 220 configured to receive and retain the pole 120. Eachof the legs 211-215 rests upon and is supported by a caster or the wheel230. Thus, the legs 211-215 provide mounting locations for the wheels230. When the base 110 is pushed or pulled, the base 110 rolls on thewheels 230.

The legs 211-215 may each taper outwardly and downwardly from the centersection 216 along their upper surfaces 243 (see FIG. 4), which areopposite bottom surfaces 245 (see FIG. 4). Referring to FIG. 4, in theembodiment illustrated, the upper surfaces 243 may be characterized asbeing formed along a cone having an apex at or near the center section216.

Referring to FIG. 2, the legs 211 and 212 may be characterized asdefining a socket shaped tail section 234. The tail section 234 has akeyway 244 formed therein between the legs 211 and 212. Opposite thecenter section 216, the legs 211 and 212 have curved end portions 218and 219, respectively. The curved end portions 218 and 219 curve towardthe keyway 244. Referring to FIG. 4, a bridge section 246 overhangs aportion 248 of the keyway 244.

Referring to FIG. 2, a gap 238 is defined between the legs 214 and 215.A gap 239 is defined between the legs 213 and 214. The gap 238 isconfigured to receive the end portion 218 of the leg 211 and the gap 239is configured to receive the end portion 219 of the leg 212.

The leg 214 has a sloped radial shaped head section 240. The headsection 240 tapers toward its distal edge portion 242. The head section240 may be characterized as being a key configured to be removablereceived inside the keyway 244. Thus, the head section 240 may be matedwith the tail section 234. The keyway 244 may be characterized as havinga radial socket shape and the head section 240 may be characterized ashaving a matching or corresponding radial shape. The curved end portions218 and 219 of the legs 211 and 212, respectively, curve around the headsection 240 and help maintain or trap the head section 240 inside thekeyway 244. Thus, the keyway 244 is configured to receive and retain thehead section 240 therein.

Referring to FIG. 3, a series of multiple bases 251-254 (each like thebase 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5) of multiple IV stands 261-264(each like a conventional IV stand or the IV stand 100 illustrated inFIG. 1) may be interlocked together so that the bases 251-254 may bepushed together as a unit. Referring to FIG. 4, for ease ofillustration, the interlocking of the forward base 251 and the aft base252 will be described in greater detail. However, as shown in FIG. 3,more than two of the bases 251-254 may be interlocked together. Forexample, the forward base 251 may be interlocked with the aft base 252,the forward base 251 may be interlocked with the aft base 253, and theforward base 253 may be interlocked with the aft base 254. Any number offorward and aft bases may be interlocked in this manner. Wheninterlocked, the bases 251-254 may be pushed or pulled (e.g., down ahallway) at the same time and in a controlled manner without the use ofa separate link or adaptor. The bases 251-254 simply interlock togetherin a series.

Referring to FIG. 4, the forward and aft bases 251 and 252 areinterlocked together by placing the head section 240 of the aft base 252near the tail section 234 of the forward base 251. Then, the tailsection 234 of the forward base 251 is raised (e.g., by tipping theforward base 251 toward its head section 240). Next, the keyway 244 ofthe forward base 251 is lowered to position the head section 240 of theaft base 252 inside the keyway 244, which engages (or interlocks) thehead section 240 with the keyway 244 thereby interlocking the forwardand aft bases 251 and 252 together. Thus, the head section 240 of theaft base 252 may be locked into the tail section 234 of the forward base251 to lock the bases 251 and 252 together. This process may be repeatedfor any number of pair of forward and aft bases (e.g., the series ofbases 251-254 illustrated in FIG. 3).

When the head section 240 of the aft base 252 is inside the keyway 244of the forward base 251, the distal edge portion 242 of the head section240 of the aft base 252 is positioned under the bridge section 246 ofthe forward base 251. Thus, the bridge section 246 of the forward base251 is positioned over the distal edge portion 242 of the head section240 of the aft base 252 and limits upward movement of the head section240 relative to the forward base 251 (e.g., when the bases 251 and 252are moved together along the floor and/or over an obstacle). The headsection 240 of the aft base 252 may maintain or support the forward base251 vertically. For example, the bridge section 246 of the forward base251 may contact (or rest on) the head section 240 of the aft base 252.Alternatively, a pre-determined gap (not shown) may be defined betweenthe upper surface 243 of the head section 240 and the bridge section246. In other words, the bridge section 246 may straddle the headsection 240 and be spaced apart therefrom by the pre-determined gap (notshown). Additionally, a gap (not shown) may be defined along the headsection 240 of the aft base 252 between the head section 240 of the aftbase 252 and the keyway 244 of the forward base 251.

The tail section 234 of the forward base 251 may articulate (or move)with respect to the head section 240 of the aft base 252 when the bases251 and 252 are interlocked together. For example, the tail section 234of the forward base 251 may articulate (or rotate) about a y-axis (seeFIG. 3) by a limited amount to traverse the terrain and obstacles (e.g.,bumps, thresholds, changes in elevation, changes in slope of theterrain, and the like) with respect to the head section 240 of the aftbase 252 before the head section 240 of the aft base 252 disengages fromthe keyway 244 of the forward base 251. Referring to FIG. 3, the forwardand aft bases 251 and 252 may be rotated about a z-axis by a limitedamount, which is determined (or controlled) by dimensional clearancebetween the tail and head sections 234 and 240 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) ofthe forward and aft bases 251 and 252, respectively. Further, dependingupon the implementation details, the forward and aft bases 251 and 252may move with respect to one another along x-axis.

As shown in FIG. 5, the legs 211-213 and 215 do not extend radially fromthe center section 216. Thus, the outer shape of the base 110 allows auser's feet 270 and 272 to be placed closer to the IV stand 100 (seeFIG. 1) than a prior art IV stand, thereby providing a more ergonomicand comfortable (natural) posture to allow better grip and control ofthe IV stand 100 (see FIG. 1) during movement. A first “clearance” gap280 is defined between the legs 211 and 215, and a second “clearance”gap 282 is defined between the legs 212 and 213. Each of the clearancegaps 280 and 282 is configured to at least partially receive a user'sfoot or feet 270 and 272 when the user is standing or walking next tothe base 110 thereby avoiding interference with the legs 211-215 of thebase 110 and thus reducing a trip hazard.

By way of a non-limiting example, the base 110 may be constructed as asingle piece. The base 110 may be constructed from an injection-moldedpolymer. However, alternate manufacturing methods may be employed tocreate the base 110, such as aluminum die-casting, sand casting,investment casting, machining, and the like.

Pole

Referring to FIG. 1, the pole 120 may be implemented as a conventionalpole used to construct prior art IV stands. In the embodimentillustrated, the pole 120 has a generally cylindrical outer shape with acircular cross-sectional shape. However, this is not a requirement. Thepole 120 extends from the base 110 to the hook attachment 140. The pole120 is attached by its first end portion 124 to the hook attachment 140and by its second end portion 126 to the connector 220 of the base 110.The mounting bracket 122 may couple the handle 130 to the pole 120 at apredetermined vertical location between the first and second endportions 124 and 126 of the pole 120. By way of a non-limiting example,the mounting bracket 122 may couple the handle 130 to the pole 120 atabout 35 inches to about 45 inches from the floor.

Mounting Bracket

FIG. 1 depicts the mounting bracket 122 coupling the handle 130 to thepole 120. Referring to FIG. 6, the mounting bracket 122 has a curvedportion 810 flanked by planar sections 812 and 814. Each of the planarsections 812 and 814 includes one or more through-holes 816 eachconfigured to receive a different fastener 818. The curved portion 810is contoured to be positioned against the pole 120 (see FIGS. 1, 2,12-14B, 17, and 18). The fasteners 818 are configured to be inserted oneeach into the through-holes 816. The fasteners 818 extend through theplanar sections 812 and 814 and into the handle 130 with the pole 120(see FIGS. 1, 2, 12-14B, 17, and 18) positioned alongside the curvedportion 810 between the mounting bracket 122 and the handle 130. In thismanner, the pole 120 may be clamped between the mounting bracket 122 andthe handle 130.

Referring to FIG. 1, the mounting bracket 122 and the handle 130 may beclamped to the pole 120 (or another object having a generally circularcross-sectional shape) at any circumferential location along the pole120. Thus, the mounting bracket 122 and the handle 130 do not have to beslid onto the pole 120 axially or from an axial position.

Handle

Referring to FIG. 1, the ergonomic push handle 130 is configured to bemounted on the pole 120 of the IV stand 100, a pole on a conventional IVstand, a pole of similar mobile equipment, and the like. In theembodiment illustrated, the handle 130 may be characterized as being acircular sector or generally pie-shaped. Thus, the handle 130 may extendabout 90° around the pole 120. However, in alternate embodiments, thehandle 130 or a portion thereof may extend further (e.g., about 180°)around the pole 120 or less far around the pole 120 (e.g., about 45°).

Referring to FIG. 6, the handle 130 has a connector portion 308 that issubstantially similar to the mounting bracket 122. Thus, the connectorportion 308 may include a curved portion 310 flanked by planar sections312 and 314. Each of the planar sections 312 and 314 includes one ormore through-holes 316 each configured to receive a different one of thefasteners 818. The curved portion 310 is contoured to be positionedagainst the pole 120 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 12-14B, 17, and 18). The fasteners818 are configured to be inserted one each into the through-holes 816(and extend through the planar sections 812 and 814) and into thethrough-holes 316 when the pole 120 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 12-14B, 17, and 18)is received in between (and clamped onto by) the curved portions 310 and810. The fasteners 818 fasten the planar sections 312 and 314 to theplanar sections 812 and 814, respectively, and apply a clamping pressureto the curved portion 810. Referring to FIG. 1, in this manner, the pole120 is clamped between the mounting bracket 122 and the handle 130.Thus, the mounting bracket 122 couples the handle 130 to the pole 120.

In the embodiment illustrated, the handle 130 has a handle body 320integrally formed (e.g., molded) with the connector portion 308. Thehandle body 320 has a curved handle grip 322 attached to first andsecond spokes 331 and 332. The first and second spokes 331 and 332extend from the connector portion 308 to the handle grip 322. In theembodiment illustrated, the first spoke 331 is connected to a first endportion 334 of the handle grip 322 and the second spoke 332 is connectedto a second end portion 336 of the handle grip 322.

An optional tray 340 may be included between the first and second spokes331 and 332. In the embodiment illustrated, the first and second spokes331 and 332 form angled sidewalls of the tray 340. In the embodimentillustrated, an upper portion 344 of the connector portion 308 functionsas a rear sidewall of the tray 340. The tray 340 has a front sidewall345 opposite the upper portion 344 of the connector portion 308. Theupper portion 344 and the front sidewall 345 both extend between thefirst and second spokes 331 and 332. Thus, the first and second spokes331 and 332, the upper portion 344, and the front sidewall 345 formsidewalls that enclose the tray 340. The tray 340 has a substantiallyplanar bottom 342 that extends between the first and second spokes 331and 332, the upper portion 344, and the front sidewall 345.

The tray 340 extends from the connector portion 308 part way toward thehandle grip 322. A gap 346 is defined between the front sidewall 345 ofthe tray 340 and the handle grip 322. The gap 346 is configured toreceive the user's fingers when the user grips the handle grip 322. Inthe embodiment illustrated, a support spoke 348 extends from the frontsidewall 345 of the tray 340 to a central portion 350 of the handle grip322. Also, in the embodiment illustrated, the support spoke 348 extendsfrom the central portion 350 of the handle grip 322 under the bottom 342of tray 340 and is attached to a bottom portion 349 of the connectorportion 308. Thus, the support spoke 348 may bifurcate the gap 346 at ornear the central portion 350 of the handle grip 322.

The central portion 350 is lower (i.e., closer to the floor) than thefirst and second end portions 334 and 336. Referring to FIG. 9, thefirst and second end portions 334 and 336 are connected to the centralportion 350 by contoured or angled portions 370 and 372, respectively.Referring to FIG. 8, research has determined that the natural grip anglefor a human hand (e.g., a right hand 360) is approximately 10 angulardegrees from horizontal 362. The angled portions 370 and 372 (see FIG.9) may each be angled at a predetermined angle θ with respect tohorizontal 362. For example, the predetermined angle θ may be within arange of about 5° to about 15°. In some embodiments, the predeterminedangle θ is 10°. Thus, the handle grip 322 may be characterized as havinga “curved” grip profile or “curved” grip surface geometry. In someembodiments, the handle grip 322 may be generally U-shaped or V-shaped.In the embodiment illustrated, the angled portion 370 (see FIG. 9) ispositioned to be gripped by the right hand 360 and the angled portion372 (see FIG. 9) is positioned to be gripped by a left hand (not shown).Thus, the handle grip 322 provides a comfortable grip angle for bothright-handed and left-handed users.

In contrast, FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a prior art handle 400 that has arounded front handle grip 410 with a “flat” shape or grip profile. Inother words, as may best be seen in FIG. 7B, the handle grip 410 issubstantially horizontal or parallel with the floor. Thus, referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the prior art flat handle grip 410 does not follow thenatural grip angle (e.g., about 10 angular degrees from horizontal) ofthe user's hand when the user grabs onto the handle grip 410 at a height(e.g., about 35 inches to about 45 inches from the floor) of the handle400. Instead, the user must twist his/her wrist to grip the handle grip410, which can cause undo strain on the user's hand and/or wristresulting in some discomfort during long-term use.

As mentioned above, referring to FIG. 9, the handle grip 322 is notsubstantially horizontal (or parallel with the floor). Instead, thehandle grip 322 follows the natural grip angle (e.g., about 10 angulardegrees from horizontal) of the user's hand when the user grabs onto thehandle grip 322 at a height (e.g., about 35 inches to about 45 inchesfrom the floor) of the handle 130.

Referring to FIG. 1, as mentioned above, all or a portion of the handle130 may extend around the pole 120 (e.g., about 90° or about 180°). Forexample, referring to FIG. 10, the handle grip 322 may extendedcircumferentially (in directions identified by arrows 380 and 382)around the pole 120 (see FIG. 1) about 180° to define a “semicircular”shape and increase the size of the handle grip 322 and volume of thetray 340.

By way of a non-limiting example, referring to FIG. 6, the handle body320 may be constructed as a single piece (e.g., integrally molded withthe connector portion 308). The handle body 320 may be constructed froman injection-molded polymer. Alternatively, the handle body 320 may beconstructed by die casting (e.g., aluminum). By way of yet of othernon-limiting example, the handle body 320 may be constructed bymachining or fabricated using another means.

Hook Attachment

Referring to FIG. 1, the hook attachment 140 is configured to be mountedon the pole 120 of the IV stand 100, a pole on a conventional IV stand,a pole of similar mobile equipment, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, prior art IV hook assemblies orattachments include a plurality of hooks 502 typically arranged to allowa plurality of IV bags 102 to be hung in either a circular pattern (FIG.11A) or longitudinal pattern (FIG. 11B). In both of these arrangements,the IV bags 102 include front bags 102F positioned in front of rear bags102R. Thus, only the labels 104 on the front bags 102F may be viewedbecause the labels 104 on the rear bags 102R are hidden or obscured bythe front bags 102F. This can pose problems in an operating room (“OR”),an intensive care unit (“ICU”), or other critical area of a hospitalwhere rapid identification of the rear bags 102R is necessary (e.g., toset up infusion pump flows, to monitor patient medication, etc.).Typically, an IV stand is placed against a back wall (e.g., at the headof a bed in the ICU) and several medication lines 106 (e.g., cleartubing) are connected from the bags 102 to the patient. In many cases,due to the entanglement of the medication lines 106, a caregiver cannotturn the IV stand to see the labels 104 on the hidden rear bags 102R.Instead, the caregiver must carefully move or twist the rear bags 102Rso the caregiver can read their labels 104. At the same time, thecaregiver must be careful not to harm the patient by pulling on themedication lines 106, etc. This takes time and can lead to errors in theidentification of one or more of the bags 102. Thus, current hookassemblies or attachments may create potential hazards to patientsafety.

Referring to FIG. 12, the hook attachment 140 has a body portion 610 anda plurality of hooks 612. The body portion 610 has vertically spacedapart first and second longitudinally extending portions 614 and 616.The first portion 614 may have a first free end 617A opposite a secondfree end 618A. Similarly, the second portion 616 may have a first freeend 617B opposite a second free end 618B.

The body portion 610 includes a connector 620 configured to be attachedby a fastener 622 (e.g., a screw, a bolt, and the like) to the first endportion 124 of the pole 120 (or a conventional IV pole, a pole ofsimilar mobile equipment, or the like). The connector 620 may beconnected to the first and second portions 614 and 616 at near theircentral portions 624 and 626, respectively.

The hooks 612 are mounted the first and second portions 614 and 616 andare all oriented in the same direction. Thus, the hook attachment 140does not include both forwardly and rearwardly facing hooks. In theembodiment illustrated, hooks 612A and 612B are positioned on the firstportion 614 and hooks 612C-612F are positioned on the second portion616.

While in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14B, the hook attachment140 includes a total of six hooks (the two hooks 612A and 612Bpositioned on the first portion 614 and the four hooks 612C-612Fpositioned on the second portion 616), the hook attachment 140 may beconfigured with any number of hooks. For example, the hook attachment140 may include a total of seven hooks, eight hooks, nine hooks, 10hooks, or more.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the opening 103 of one of the bags 102is configured to receive one of the hooks 612 (see FIG. 12). Thus, eachof the hooks 612 (see FIG. 12) is configured to receive and support oneof the bags 102 along the bag receiving rear side of the hook attachment140. The hook attachment 140 is configured to be used facing rearwardly(see FIG. 13A) and/or forwardly (see FIG. 13B). In FIG. 13A, the hookattachment 140 is facing rearwardly with the labels 104 also facingrearwardly. In this configuration, when viewed from the rear as shown inFIG. 13A, lower portions of the bags 102 hanging from the hooks612C-612F are positioned in front of upper portions of the bags 102hanging from the hooks 612A and 612B. However, the first and secondportions 614 and 616 are spaced apart vertically by a sufficient amountto allow the labels 104 of the bags 102 to be viewed on all of the bags102. In other words, the hook attachment 140 arranges the bags 102 toprovide an unobstructed rear view of the labels 104 of the bags 102.

In FIG. 13B, the hook attachment 140 is facing forwardly with the labels104 facing forwardly. In this configuration, when viewed from the frontas shown in FIG. 13B, lower portions of the bags 102 hanging from thehooks 612C-612F are positioned behind of upper portions of the bags 102hanging from the hooks 612A and 612B. Nevertheless, the first and secondportions 614 and 616 are spaced apart vertically (by the sufficientamount) to allow the labels 104 of the bags 102 to be viewed on all ofthe bags 102. In other words, the hook attachment 140 arranges the bags102 to provide an unobstructed front view of the labels 104 of the bags102.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the hook attachment 140 arrangesthe bags 102 to provide an unobstructed view of their labels 104 withoutany need to move the pole 120 and/or twist any of the bags 102.

The hooks 612A and 612B positioned on the first portion 614 are offsetlongitudinally with respect to the hooks 612C-612F positioned on thesecond portion 616. In the embodiment illustrated, the hooks 612A and612B (positioned on the first portion 614) are each spaced apartlongitudinally from a nearest one of the hooks 612C-612F positioned onthe second portion 616 by a longitudinal distance D3. In the embodimentsillustrated, the hooks 612A and 612B (positioned on the first portion614) are each positioned between an adjacent pair of the hooks 612C-612F(positioned on the second portion 616). For example, in the embodimentillustrated, the hook 612A is positioned between the adjacent pair ofhooks 612C and 612D and the hook 612B is positioned between the adjacentpair of hooks 612E and 612F. Thus, the hooks 612A and 612B (positionedon the first portion 614) and the hook(s) 612C-612F (positioned on thesecond portion 616) may be characterized as being longitudinally offsetfrom one another (e.g., by the longitudinal distance D3). By way of anon-limiting example, the longitudinal distance D3 may be equal to orgreater than half a width of one of the labels 104. By way of anon-limiting example, the longitudinal distance D3 may be about 2.25inches to about 2.75 inches.

The first and second portions 614 and 616 may be symmetric (left toright) about the connector 620. In the embodiment illustrated, the firstand second portions 614 and 616 curve downwardly as they extendoutwardly from the connector 620. As may be viewed in FIGS. 14A and 14B,the first and second portions 614 and 616 may curve inwardly and/orrearwardly as they extend outwardly from the connector 620. Referring toFIG. 12, the hooks 612C and 612D are positioned on the same side (e.g.,the right side) of the connector 620 and the hooks 612E and 612F arepositioned on the same side (e.g., the left side) of the connector 620.Thus, on the same side (e.g., the right side) of the connector 620, thehooks 612C and 612D positioned on the second portion 616 are offset fromone another along all three dimensions. Similarly, the hooks 612E and612F, positioned on the second portion 616 on the same side (e.g., theleft side) of the connector 620, are offset from one another along allthree dimensions.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, at least a portion of the body portion610 positioned between the first and second portions 614 and 616 maycurve or bow outwardly away from the pole 120. In the embodimentillustrated, referring to FIG. 12, the front side of the body portion610 may have a generally convex shape when viewed from the front. Asshown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the body portion 610 may position the secondportion 616 further rearward than the first portion 614. Thus, referringto FIG. 13B, the hooks 612C-612F are positioned rearward or behind ofthe hooks 612A and 612B.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, in the embodiment illustrated, the hook612B may be spaced apart laterally (front-to-rear) from the hook 612F bya lateral distance D1. Similarly, referring to FIG. 12, the hook 612Amay be spaced apart laterally from the hook 612C by the lateral distanceD1 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). By way of a non-limiting example, thelateral distance D1 may be about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the embodiment illustrated, the hooks 612 aresubstantially C-shaped and substantially identical to one another. Eachof the hooks 612 has a first portion 630 connected to a second portion632 by a connecting portion 634. The first portion 630 is connected oranchored one of the first and second portions 614 and 616. In theembodiment illustrated, the first portions 630 of the hooks 612A and612B are mounted on an upper edge of the first portion 614 and the hooks612A and 612B extend upwardly from the first portion 614. Similarly, thefirst portions 630 of the hooks 612C-612F are mounted on an upper edgeof the second portion 616 and the hooks 612C-612F extend upwardly fromthe second portion 616. The first portion 630 extends rearwardly awayfrom the body portion 610.

The first portion 630 extends from the body portion 610 to theconnecting portion 634. The connecting portion 634 extends upwardlybetween the first and second portions 630 and 632. The second portion632 extends forwardly and has a free end portion 640. The second portion632 extends at an angle from the connecting portion 634 and positionsthe free end portion 640 above the connecting portion 634.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the free end portion 640 is configuredto be inserted through the opening 103 of one of the bags 102. Referringto FIG. 12, that bag 102 slides along both the second portion 632 andthe connecting portion 634, and rests at or near a junction of theconnecting portion 634 and the first portion 630. Thus, the bag 102 ismaintained in a desired position between the connecting portion 634 andthe bag receiving rear side of the body portion 610. Referring to FIGS.14A and 14B, in the embodiment illustrated, the junction between theconnecting portion 634 (see FIG. 12) and the first portion 630 (see FIG.12) of the distal most hook 612B (positioned on the first portion 614)is spaced apart vertically from the junction between the connectingportion 634 and the first portion 630 of the distal most hook 612F(positioned on the second portion 616) by a vertical distance D2.Similarly, referring to FIG. 12, the junction between the connectingportion 634 and the first portion 630 of the distal most hook 612A(positioned on the first portion 614) may also be spaced apartvertically from the junction between the connecting portion 634 and thefirst portion 630 of the distal most hook 612C (positioned on the secondportion 616) by the vertical distance D2 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). Thevertical distance D2 may be sufficient to allow the bags 102 to be“piggybacked.” Piggybacking refers to pumping (by gravity head) thecontents of an upper bag (e.g., the bag 102 hanging from the hook 612C)and allowing those contents to mix with the output of a lower bag (e.g.,the bag 102 hanging from the hook 612A). This mixture is thenadministered to the patient. By way of a non-limiting example, thecontents of the upper bag may be antibiotics and the contents of thelower bag may be saline solution. Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, by wayof a non-limiting example, the vertical distance D2 may be at least 9inches.

In the embodiment illustrated, the first portions 630 have substantiallyhorizontal lower edges that help maintain the bags 102 on the hooks 612.For example, if one of the bags 102 is bumped or pushed upwardly, thefirst portion 630 of the hook 612 on which the bag is hung blocks upwardmovement of the bag with respect to the body portion 610. Thus, thefirst portion 630 significantly reduces a risk that the bag 102 will bedisengaged from the hook 612 when the bag 102 (e.g., the bottom of thebag) is inadvertently bumped.

Referring to FIG. 13A, the hook attachment 140 is configured to positionthe bags 102 such that the label 104 on each of the bags 102 is viewablefrom the rear without changing the position or orientation of any of thebags 102. Similarly, referring to FIG. 13B, the hook attachment 140 isconfigured to position the bags 102 such that the label 104 on each ofthe bags 102 is viewable from the front without changing the position ororientation of any of the bags 102. Thus, when fully loaded with thebags 102, the hook attachment 140 allows the labels 104 of all of thebags 102 to be read from either the front or the rear of the IV stand100 (or a conventional IV stand) without moving the pole 120 and/ortwisting each of the bags 102 after the bags 102 are outfitted with themedication lines 106 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) and infusion pumps (notshown). This helps reduce label reading errors, improves visibility ofthe labels 104, facilitates identification of the IV bags 102, andsignificantly reduces risk to the patient.

By way of a non-limiting example, the hook attachment 140 illustrated inFIGS. 12-14B may be constructed as a single piece. For example, the hookattachment 140 may be constructed from an injection-molded polymer.Alternatively, the hook attachment 140 may be constructed by die casting(e.g., aluminum). By way of yet of other non-limiting example, the hookattachment 140 may be constructed by machining or fabricated usinganother means.

FIGS. 15-18 depict an alternate embodiment of a hook attachment 700constructed using fabrication. Referring to FIG. 1, like the hookattachment 140, the hook attachment 700 (see FIGS. 15-18) is configuredto be mounted on the pole 120 of the IV stand 100, a pole on aconventional IV stand, a pole of similar mobile equipment, and the like.Referring to FIG. 15, the hook attachment 700 has a body portion 710,one or more forward facing or front hooks 712, and one or more rearwardfacing or rear hooks 714.

The body portion 710 has a longitudinally extending portion 716 fromwhich the front hook(s) 712 and the rear hook(s) 714 extend. Each fronthook 712 and each rear hook 714 is positioned at a differentlongitudinal location along the portion 716. While in the embodimentillustrated, the hook attachment 700 includes a total of six hooks (fourfront hooks 712 and two rear hooks 714), the hook attachment 700 may beconfigured with any number of longitudinally spaced apart front and rearhooks. For example, the hook attachment 700 may include a total of sevenhooks, eight hooks, nine hooks, 10 hooks, or more.

The body portion 710 has a hub or connector 720 attached near the centerof the portion 716. Referring to FIG. 12, the connector 720 (see FIGS.15-18) may be configured to be attached by a fastener (e.g., a screw, abolt, and the like) to the first end portion 124 of the pole 120 (aconventional IV pole, a pole of similar mobile equipment, and the like).

Referring to FIG. 17, each front hook 712 is configured to receive andsupport one of the front bags 102F and each rear hook 714 is configuredto receive and support one of the rear bags 102R. The opening 103 ofeach front bag 102F is configured to receive one of the front hooks 712and the opening 103 of each rear bag 102R is configured to receive oneof the rear hooks 714.

Each rear hook 714 is spaced apart longitudinally from a nearest one ofthe front hook(s) 712 by a longitudinal distance D6. In the embodimentillustrated, each rear hook 714 is positioned between an adjacent pairof the front hooks 712. Thus, the front hook(s) 712 and the rear hook(s)714 may be characterized as being longitudinally offset from one another(e.g., by the longitudinal distance D6). When the hook attachment 700includes multiple front hooks and a rear bag 102R is hung from each ofthe rear hook(s) 714, the front hooks 712 may be spaced apartlongitudinally by a sufficient amount to allow the labels 104 of therear bag(s) 102R to be viewed between adjacent ones of the front hooks712. Thus, the longitudinal distance D6 may be equal to or greater thanhalf a width of one of the labels 104. By way of a non-limiting example,the longitudinal distance D6 may be about 2.25 inches to about 2.75inches.

Referring to FIG. 18, each front hook 712 has a first portion 730connected to a second portion 732 by a bent portion 734. The firstportion 730 is connected to and extends between the portion 716 and thebent portion 734. The second portion 732 has a free end portion 740. Thesecond portion 732 extends at an angle from the bent portion 734 andpositions the free end portion 740 above the bent portion 734. The freeend portion 740 is configured to be inserted through the opening 103(see FIG. 17) of one of the bags 102. One of the front bags 102F slidesalong the second portion 732 and rests upon the bent portion 734.

Each rear hook 714 has a first portion 750 connected to a second portion752 by a bent portion 754. The first portion 750 is connected to andextends between the portion 716 and the bent portion 754. The secondportion 752 has a free end portion 760. The second portion 752 extendsat an angle from the bent portion 754 and positions the free end portion760 above the bent portion 754. The free end portion 760 is configuredto be inserted through the opening 103 (see FIGS. 13A, 13B, 17, and 18)of one of the bags 102. One of the rear bags 102R slides along thesecond portion 752 and rests upon the bent portion 754.

The first portion 730 of each front hook 712 is longer than the firstportion 750 of each rear hook 714 to position the bent portion 734 ofeach front hook 712 below the bent portion 754 of each rear hook 714. Inthe embodiment illustrated, the bent portion 734 of each front hook 712is spaced apart vertically from the bent portion 754 of each rear hook714 by a vertical distance D5. Thus, the rear bags 102R (which rest uponthe bent portion 734 of each rear hook 714) are positioned above thefront bags 102F (which rest upon the bent portion 734 of each front hook712). Therefore, the front hook(s) 712 and the rear hook(s) 714 may becharacterized as being vertically offset from one another (e.g., by thevertical distance D5). As shown in FIG. 17, the vertical distance D5(see FIG. 18) is sufficient to allow the labels 104 of the rear bags102R to be viewed when the hook attachment 700 includes the front bags102F. In other words, the hook attachment 700 arranges the front andrear bags 102F and 102R to provide an unobstructed front view of thelabels 104 of both the front and rear bags 102F and 102R. Referring toFIG. 18, by way of a non-limiting example, the vertical distance D5 maybe about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches.

The second portion 732 of each front hook 712 faces and extendsforwardly and the second portion 752 of each rear hook 714 faces andextends rearwardly. Thus, the front and rear hooks 712 and 714 extend inopposite directions from one another. In the embodiment illustrated, amidpoint of the bent portion 734 of each front hook 712 is spaced apartlaterally from a midpoint of the bent portion 754 of each rear hook 714by a lateral distance D4. By way of a non-limiting example, the lateraldistance D4 may be about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches. Thus, referringto FIG. 17, the front and rear hooks 712 and 714 are offset from oneanother longitudinally, laterally, and vertically to position the labels104 of the rear bags 102R to viewed from the front when the hookattachment 700 includes the front bags 102F.

This arrangement positions the bags 102 such that the label 104 on eachrear bag 102R is viewable from the front without changing the positionor orientation of the rear bag 102R. Thus, when fully loaded with thebags 102, the hook attachment 700 allows the labels 104 of all of therear bags 102R to be read from the front of the IV stand 100 (or aconventional IV stand) without moving the pole 120 and/or twisting eachof the rear bags 102R after the bags 102 are outfitted with themedication lines 106 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) and infusion pumps (notshown). This helps reduce label reading errors, improves visibility ofthe labels 104, facilitates identification of the IV bags 102, andsignificantly reduces risk to the patient.

Referring to FIG. 15, the hook attachment 700 may be constructed fromtwo or more separate pieces (e.g., each constructed from metal). By wayof a non-limiting example, the pieces may include the front hook(s) 712,the rear hook(s) 714, the body portion 710, and the connector 720. Thefront and rear hooks 712 and 714 may be welded to the body portion 710and the connector 720.

The foregoing described embodiments depict different componentscontained within, or connected with, different other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented whichachieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangementof components to achieve the same functionality is effectively“associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, anytwo components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality canbe seen as “associated with” each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedialcomponents. Likewise, any two components so associated can also beviewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to eachother to achieve the desired functionality.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this invention and its broader aspects and,therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope allsuch changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scopeof this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that theinvention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will beunderstood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein,and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appendedclaims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations).

Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appendedclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hook attachment for an IV standcomprising a pole, the hook attachment comprising: a bag receiving side;first and second longitudinally extending portions having first andsecond central portions, respectively, the first longitudinallyextending portion being symmetric about the first central portion, thesecond longitudinally extending portion being symmetric about the secondcentral portion, the first and second longitudinally extending portionsbeing configured to be connected to the pole at the first and secondcentral portions, respectively; a plurality of first hooks coupled tothe first longitudinally extending portion, the plurality of first hooksbeing configured to have first bags with first labels hung therefromalong the bag receiving side; and a plurality of second hooks coupled tothe second longitudinally extending portion, the plurality of secondhooks being configured to have second bags with second labels hungtherefrom along the bag receiving side, the first bags being positionedpartially in front of the second bags, the first and secondlongitudinally extending portions being sufficiently spaced apartvertically to allow both the first and second labels to be visible whenthe first and second bags are hung from the plurality of first andsecond hooks, respectively.
 2. The hook attachment of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of first hooks is spaced apart longitudinally fromeach of the plurality of second hooks.
 3. The hook attachment of claim1, wherein the plurality of first hooks are coupled to a first upperedge of the first longitudinally extending portion and extend upwardlytherefrom, and the plurality of second hooks are coupled to a secondupper edge of the second longitudinally extending portion and extendupwardly therefrom.
 4. The hook attachment of claim 3, wherein each ofthe plurality of first hooks and each of the plurality of second hooksis substantially C-shaped.
 5. The hook attachment of claim 3, whereineach of the plurality of first hooks has a hook portion that extendsaway from the bag receiving side and has a substantially horizontallower edge, and each of the plurality of second hooks has a hook portionthat extends away from the bag receiving side and has a substantiallyhorizontal lower edge.
 6. The hook attachment of claim 1, wherein thefirst central portion is flanked by first and second free ends of thefirst longitudinally extending portion, the first and second free endscurve inwardly toward one another from the first central portion, thefirst and second free ends curve downwardly from the first centralportion, the second central portion is flanked by third and fourth freeends of the second longitudinally extending portion, the third andfourth free ends curve inwardly toward one another from the secondcentral portion, and the third and fourth free ends curve downwardlyfrom the second central portion.
 7. The hook attachment of claim 1,wherein the first and second longitudinally extending portions arespaced apart vertically by at least 9 inches.
 8. The hook attachment ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second longitudinally extending portionsare sufficiently spaced apart vertically to allow both the first andsecond labels to be visible when viewed from a first direction, and thefirst longitudinally extending portion positions the first hooks infront of the second hooks along a second direction, the second directionbeing opposite the first direction.
 9. The hook attachment of claim 8,wherein both the first and second labels are visible when viewed fromthe second direction.
 10. An IV stand comprising: a pole; and a hookattachment comprising: (a) a connector connected to the pole; (b) afirst longitudinally extending portion having a first central portion,the first longitudinally extending portion being symmetric about thefirst central portion, the first longitudinally extending portion beingconnected to the connector at the first central portion; (c) a secondlongitudinally extending portion having a second central portion, thesecond longitudinally extending portion being symmetric about the secondcentral portion, the second longitudinally extending portion beingconnected to the connector at the second central portion; (d) aplurality of first hooks coupled to the first longitudinally extendingportion, the plurality of first hooks being configured to have firstbags with first labels hung therefrom; and (e) a plurality of secondhooks coupled to the second longitudinally extending portion, theplurality of second hooks being configured to have second bags withsecond labels hung therefrom, the first bags being positioned partiallyin front of the second bags, the first and second longitudinallyextending portions being sufficiently spaced apart vertically to allowboth the first and second labels to be visible when the first and secondbags are hung from the plurality of first and second hooks,respectively.
 11. The IV stand of claim 10, wherein the plurality offirst hooks are coupled to a first upper edge of the firstlongitudinally extending portion and extend upwardly therefrom, and theplurality of second hooks are coupled to a second upper edge of thesecond longitudinally extending portion and extend upwardly therefrom.12. The IV stand of claim 10, wherein the first central portion isflanked by first and second free ends of the first longitudinallyextending portion, the first and second free ends curve inwardly towardone another from the first central portion, the first and second freeends curve downwardly from the first central portion, the second centralportion is flanked by third and fourth free ends of the secondlongitudinally extending portion, the third and fourth free ends curveinwardly toward one another from the second central portion, and thethird and fourth free ends curve downwardly from the second centralportion.
 13. The IV stand of claim 10, further comprising: a wheeledbase supporting the pole and the hook attachment, the pole comprising afirst end opposite a second end, the connector being connected to thefirst end of the pole, the wheeled base being connected to the secondend of the pole.